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Zadar is one of Croatia’s most rewarding — and often overlooked — destinations. As the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country, Zadar has been shaped by Roman, Venetian, and Byzantine rule, all layered into a compact, walkable old town on the Adriatic Sea.

Despite its history and location, Zadar is frequently bypassed in favour of Split or Dubrovnik. That’s a mistake. If you want a Croatian city that feels authentic, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable to explore on foot, Zadar deserves a place on your itinerary.

We recommend spending at least three days in Zadar. It gives you time to walk the old town properly, understand its history, enjoy the waterfront, and still fit in nearby day trips — all without rushing.

Zadar was our second stop on a road trip down the Croatian coast from Italy, and it quickly became one of our favourite cities in the country.

If you’re planning a self-drive itinerary, see our guide to the Best Places to Visit on a Road Trip in Croatia, which shows how Zadar fits naturally into a coastal route.

Why Put Zadar on Your Croatia Itinerary?

Zadar combines the things travellers love about Croatia — history, sea views, walkable streets, and café culture — without the crowds that dominate some of the better-known cities.

The old town sits on a small peninsula, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Roman ruins appear between cafés, medieval churches open onto quiet squares, and the promenade offers uninterrupted views across the islands.

This is exactly why Zadar works so well with our Croatia City Walks. Walking is the best way to experience the city, and a self-guided route helps you understand what you’re seeing while keeping full control of your pace.

10 Must-See Things to Do in Zadar

1. Enter the Old Town Through the Land Gate

The Land Gate is the main historic entrance to Zadar’s old town and one of the finest Venetian gates in Croatia. Built in 1543, it once protected the city from Ottoman attacks and remains the most decorative of Zadar’s four gates.

Walking through it is the perfect way to begin exploring the city.

 

2. Five Wells Square (Trg 5 Bunara)

Built by the Venetians in the 16th century to supply water during the Turkish sieges, Five Wells Square is both historic and atmospheric. While the wells are no longer in use, the square is a pleasant place for coffee.

From here, it’s an easy walk into Queen Jelena Madije Park, the oldest park in Zadar, offering shade and elevated views.

3. Walk the Zadar Promenade

The Riva promenade runs the length of the old town and is one of the most enjoyable walks in Zadar. It’s flat, scenic, and ideal at any time of day.

As you walk, you’ll pass market stalls, swimming spots, and viewpoints looking back toward the city walls and out to the islands.

4. Listen to the Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)

The Sea Organ is one of Zadar’s most distinctive landmarks. Built into the waterfront steps, it uses wave motion to push air through 35 pipes, creating a haunting, ever-changing soundscape.

It’s best experienced in the early evening, when locals and visitors gather to watch the sun drop into the Adriatic.

Just nearby is Greeting to the Sun, a circular solar installation that lights up after dark with colourful patterns.

5. Explore Green Square (Zeleni Trg)

Green Square was once part of the Roman Forum, and today you can wander freely among Roman and Byzantine remains.

This is one of Zadar’s most relaxed historic spaces — unpretentious, open, and easy to explore at your own pace.

6. Visit the Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus is Zadar’s most recognisable building. Constructed in the 9th century on top of Roman ruins, it’s circular in shape and famous for its acoustics.

Roman columns are still visible inside, a reminder of how deeply layered Zadar’s history is.

7. Climb the Tower of St Anastasia

For the best views in Zadar, climb the Tower of St Anastasia. The 180-step climb takes you to a viewing platform 42 metres above the city, with sweeping views over rooftops, the sea, and the islands.

It’s well worth the effort.

8. Visit the Cathedral of St Anastasia

The Cathedral of St Anastasia is the largest church in Dalmatia and the seat of the Archdiocese of Zadar.

Originally built in the 3rd century and rebuilt in Romanesque style during the 12th and 13th centuries, it reflects centuries of rebuilding after conflict and conquest.

9. Take a Barkajoli Boat Ride

The Zadar Barkajoli have ferried people across the harbour for more than 800 years. The short boat ride connects the old town with the newer marina area and offers a glimpse into everyday local life.

It’s quick, inexpensive, and surprisingly memorable.

10. Watch the Sunset

Zadar’s sunsets are legendary — even Alfred Hitchcock reportedly described them as the best in the world.

The pier Zalazak Sunca is one of the best places to view the sunsets of Zadar each evening.

Whether you’re sitting near the Sea Organ or strolling along the promenade, make time each evening to stop and watch the sky change colour.

Other Places Worth Seeing in Zadar

• People’s Square – the city’s historic civic centre

• Kalelarga (Široka Ulica) – the main pedestrian street

• University of Zadar – founded in 1396

• Archaeological Museum – one of Croatia’s oldest

• Museum of Ancient Glass – housed in a 19th-century palace

All of these are included naturally when exploring the old town on foot.

Where to Stay in Zadar

For accommodation, we usually compare:

• Booking.com for apartments and hotels

• Hotels.com for longer stays with loyalty discounts

• Airbnb if we want a kitchen and extra space

Staying near or within the old town makes walking everywhere easy.

Where to Eat in Zadar

Zadar’s food scene is relaxed and affordable.

• 2Ribara – one of the city’s oldest restaurants, good local dishes

• Kalelarga bakeries – excellent burek and pastries

• Pizza is widely available thanks to Italian influence

Zadar’s café culture dates back centuries — the first coffee shop opened here in 1730.

What to Wear in Zadar

• Summer: light clothing, hat, sunscreen

• Shoulder seasons: bring a light jacket or scarf for evening breezes

• Shoes: rubber-soled footwear is essential — polished limestone streets can be slippery when wet

Day Trips from Zadar

Zadar is one of the best bases in Croatia for day trips.

Nearby highlights include:

• Paklenica National Park – hiking and climbing

• Krka National Park – waterfalls and boardwalks

• Šibenik and Novigrad – historic coastal towns

• Zadar Archipelago – including the Kornati Islands

Boat trips depart regularly from the old town.

Here is a guide to help with your planning – Five-Day Trips from Zadar

Exploring Zadar on Foot

Zadar is made for walking. Distances are short, landmarks are close together, and the old town is largely pedestrian-only.

If you want a clear route that connects the highlights logically — without joining a tour group — our Croatia City Walks include a Zadar self-guided walk designed for first-time visitors and slow travellers.

It’s the easiest way to explore the city calmly and confidently.

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Planning More of Croatia?

• Start with our Croatia Travel Guide for a big-picture overview

• See how Zadar fits into a self-drive itinerary in our Best Places to Visit on a Road Trip in Croatia

• Visiting next? Read our Things to Do in Split guide

 

Zadar may not shout for attention — but once you arrive, it quietly becomes one of the most memorable stops in Croatia.